Memento mori Quote by David Mitchell
““We - by whom I mean anyone over sixty - commit two offenses just by existing. One is Lack of Velocity. We drive too slowly, walk too slowly, talk too slowly. The world will do business with dictators, perverts, and drug barons of all stripes, but being slowed down it cannot abide. Our second offence is being Everyman's memento mori. The world can only get comfy in shiny-eyed denial if we are out of sight.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Cloud Atlas, 2004
Societal impatience marginalizes the elderly, valuing speed over wisdom, leading to their invisibility.
In simple terms: Society overlooks older people because they’re slow.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for inclusion of older voices.
Themes
ageism
speed
visibility
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- workplace policies
- community planning
- media representation
Key Concepts
social dynamics
intergenerational equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance efficiency with respect for elders?
- What structures honor older contributions?
A Different Perspective
Speed can be essential in emergencies, limiting patience.
![“One of the things that we talked about was this idea of 'Memento Mori' - like the reminder of our own mortality - and so we were sort of trying to express that in our press photos. And it's one of the themes of the album [Modern Vampires of the City] as well.” quote by Rostam Batmanglij](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b2f/rostam-batmanglij-3648_albums_one-of-the-things-that-we-talked-about-w_432096.jpg)
![“I don't really ask myself too much where the ideas come from. When things touch you or anger you, you are moved to want to examine them, to reflect on them. But yes, I guess you could say ['Amour'] is a memento mori, though it would never occur to me to use that term, since it might sound a little…” quote by Michael Haneke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd6/michael-haneke-3712_idea_i-don-t-really-ask-myself-too-much-where_977505.jpg)
